by Jen Cox
Lent often begins with clarity and determination and ends somewhere very different. What we planned on Ash Wednesday may have changed about halfway through and was completely different by Holy Week. Penances that originally felt life‑giving, may have become unsustainable. Some intentions may have quietly faded altogether.
And you know what? That’s okay.
Lent is lived in real life. The body gets tired. Our circumstances change and unexpected suffering can find us. None of this disqualifies our Lenten efforts or diminishes God’s work within it. Rather than asking, “Did I do Lent well enough?” a gentler and truer question might be this:
Did I grow closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
Because isn’t that the goal all along?
Lent is not about willpower or perfection or doing. It is about intimacy. It is about allowing our messy and distracted hearts to be drawn closer to His. Perhaps you noticed an increased tendency toward patience, humility, or honesty. Perhaps you became more aware of your need for mercy. Perhaps you simply kept showing up, even when it was hard. These, too, are signs of grace, growth and a growing relationship with God.
And now, here we are: it’s Easter! We often think of it as the finish line. But, what if we looked at it as a continued invitation for continued growth?
The Resurrection ushers us into new life, not just for a season, but for our ordinary, everyday life. Easter asks: How will I live differently because Christ is alive? Not through rigid discipline, but through intentional love: of Him, of ourselves and of others.
Living intentionally after Lent means caring for our whole selves- spirit, mind, and body; leaning into the joy of the Resurrection, while drawing ever closer to the Heart of Jesus.
So, what can that look like?
Spirit
Recall the moments (even the brief ones) where you felt close to God. Was it while reading Scripture, sitting in silence, during prayer, witnessing a gorgeous sunset, or when you had an honest conversation with Him? You don’t need to maintain every practice you took on this Lent. Perhaps building off of one small, sustainable practice that encourages intimacy with the Lord is a good place to start.
Mind
Lent often reveals our headspace, our interior patterns: self‑criticism, fear, hope, desire. This can feel overwhelming, but it can also be so empowering. As we continue into Easter, we are invited to notice these thoughts and default tendencies with compassion rather than judgment. The light of the Resurrection pours into what shame once obscured. Growth begins with awareness, and healing begins where we allow God to meet us gently.
Body
Our bodies are not obstacles to holiness; they are places where God actually dwells. Perhaps Lent made you more aware of your limits, fatigue, or need for rest. Or maybe you recognized that you can push your body a bit further than you once thought. Let’s let Easter remind us that our bodies are gifts. When we honor and care for them well, we honor God. Nourishment, movement, and intentional rest are all acts of stewardship and love. How can you love your body well?
As we journey further into the Easter season, the invitation of Easter is not to force ourselves to maintain Lenten disciplines, but to respond to grace. What helps you remain close to Jesus now? What draws you back to His Heart in your current season?
Maybe it’s one honest prayer, one intentional pause, or one loving act repeated daily.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus remains open—patient, welcoming, alive with mercy. Easter reminds us that transformation doesn’t end with Lent. It begins anew, right where we are.
As always, if you are looking for support in how best to care for your whole self- spirit, mind and body, our wellness coaches would love to meet you. For current members, login to your portal to schedule. If you are not a member, sign up for a FREE session, here.